Buriram: Buriram farmers are distressed after Typhoon Kalmaegi caused rice plants to fall, fearing that their rice grains will be soaked in rotten water. Tropical Storm Kalmaegi has wreaked havoc on Buriram farmers. Rice is fully mature and ready for harvest, but wind and rain have blown the plants down. They fear that the rice, soaked in water for several days, will rot and become unharvestable.

According to Thai News Agency, the condition of the rice plants that have fallen over has caused great hardship to farmers in many villages in Nong Tad Subdistrict, Mueang District, Buriram Province. Rice plants that have fully developed ears of rice and are ready for harvest have been blown down by strong winds in almost every plot, and the ears of rice are submerged in flooded fields. Combined with the continuous rain during this period, if the rice is harvested, there is no place to dry it. If it is taken to dry along the roadsides and open areas in the village, it will be soaked by the rain just as much.

Farmer
s are currently helpless. They must accept the situation and pray for the rain to stop soon so they can harvest their rice. If rice stalks are left in water for too many days, they will rot. We urge the government or relevant agencies to visit the area to inspect the farmers’ suffering and provide assistance. Rice production is their only hope, once a year, for both consumption and for sale to feed their families.

Mr. Thongkhun, a farmer in Nong Tad Subdistrict, said he farms over 10 rai of rice and has already harvested about 2 rai. However, two consecutive days of rain and strong winds have caused unharvested rice plants to fall and soak the grains. He added that if the rain stops, they can be harvested and dried to reduce moisture. However, if the rain continues and the grains remain soaked for several days, they will rot. He urged the government to compensate for the damage, as he has had to invest heavily in plowing, fertilizer, and seeds. However, he was damaged by a storm when harvest time arrived.

F
looding in Sukhothai City is still a concern. Muang Sukhothai District remains flooded, causing significant distress to residents. Rescue workers from the Plai Chumphon Foundation rescue team used a motorboat to safely transport the bedridden patient out of their home.